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The 15th edition of the Tour CIBC Charles-Bruneau gets underway - Thissummer, it's my turn to take the tour!

MONTREAL, July 6 /CNW Telbec/ - Just before eight o'clock this morning, some 26 cyclists gathered in front of the Auberge de la Pointe in Rivière-du-Loup for the official start of the 15th Tour CIBC Charles-Bruneau, a 600-kilometre bicycle trek that will take them to Lévis, Trois-Rivières, Granby and Montreal. Presented from July 6 to 9, the Tour CIBC Charles-Bruneau is intended to raise the funds needed to give children with cancer the best chances of recovery. Mr. Pierre Bruneau, TVA news anchor and spokesman for the Fondation Centre de cancérologie Charles-Bruneau, will join the field of riders for the four-day event, which culminates in the riders' arrival at the Montréal Science Centre on Friday, July 9, for the official announcement of the proceeds raised. Under the theme "This summer, it's my turn to take the Tour," our riders hope to surpass the impressive sum of $1,025,000 raised in 2009.

The 2010 Tour

The 600-kilometre trek will see some 26 men and women from the business community board their bicycles a gesture of solidarity with children who wage a daily battle with cancer. With the Tour's unique "pairing based on caring" initiative, the children will also be able to encourage the cyclists throughout the Tour. With "pairing based on caring," each child is coupled with a cyclist, and each will see his or her photograph emblazoned on the front of the cyclist's jersey for the duration of the Tour. The cyclists will also have a chance to meet their protegés during the Tour.

For Pierre Bruneau, spokesman for the Fondation Centre de cancérologie Charles-Bruneau, the theme of this year's event reflects the cyclists' commitment to defeating pediatric cancer in Quebec: "For 15 years, the cyclists taking part in the Tour CIBC Charles-Bruneau have made a difference in the lives of the 2,000 Quebec children with cancer by committing to raise funds to finance research and by giving these children a better chance of recovery. I can't thank them enough for their participation and loyalty over the years."

"Six hundred kilometres is a long bicycle ride! I can't wait to encourage them," says Annie Cardinal-Houde, the spokesperson for the 2010 Tour CIBC Charles-Bruneau. The Senneville native celebrated her eighth birthday in April 2010. Now in remission after a bout with acute myeloid leukemia, she has succeeded in overcoming some daunting obstacles. At just 13 months of age, Annie was unable to understand her parents' pain on receiving the diagnosis: as well as require chemotherapy and radiotherapy, Annie needed a bone marrow transplant. Five years later, the painful treatments behind her, Annie had won her courageous battle with cancer.

For the CIBC, the opportunity to contribute to the Tour's success by encouraging other Quebec-based companies do the same is a responsibility that goes beyond its role as sponsor. "For five years, the CIBC has been proud to support research on pediatric cancer by contributing to the success of the Tour CIBC Charles-Bruneau. As a principal partner, it's our turn to take the Tour by raising awareness of the importance of each dollar collected for the Fondation among people in the business community. We invite Quebec-based companies to join us so that one day all children with cancer can say: 'When I grow up, I will be cured!'" said Mr. Sylvain Vinet, Senior Vice-President, Retail, Distribution, Eastern Canada, CIBC.

Ambassadors' Day

On July 9, the final day of the Tour, some 80 additional cyclists will join the main field of riders for the 125-kilometre trek from Granby to Montréal. Mayor Gérald Tremblay and Mr. Pierre Bruneau will be on hand at the Montréal Science Centre to welcome our valiant cyclists. Organizers will also take the opportunity to announce the total proceeds raised by the Tour's 15th edition.

The greater public is also invited to encourage the cyclists and support children with cancer by making an online donation at www.charlesbruneau.qc.ca/tour-cibc/, by filling out the donation form available in CIBC branches throughout the province, or by attending the departures and arrivals scheduled as part of the Tour CIBC Charles-Bruneau.

The family component: Les mini-tours IGA Charles-Bruneau

Les mini-tours IGA Charles-Bruneau are a premier cycling event for families intent on combining fun with generosity this summer. Presented throughout the province starting in June, this family activity is aimed at raising funds in support of the Fondation Centre de cancérologie Charles-Bruneau and its Tour CIBC Charles-Bruneau. The results from the 112 IGA stores taking part will be presented on Wednesday, July 7, at the IGA extra in Lévis, starting at 7 a.m. For further details on the mini-tours IGA Charles-Bruneau, please go to www.IGA.net and click on "Involvement."

Interviews

Mr. Pierre Bruneau, Annie Cardinal-Houde and all of the cyclists taking part in the Tour CIBC Charles-Bruneau will be available for interviews during the four-day event. To request an interview, please contact Mr. David Letky, public relations officer for the event, at 514 219-6350.

About the la Fondation

For 20 years, the Fondation Centre de cancérologie Charles-Bruneau has had a mission to give children with cancer the best possible chance of recovery by supporting research and financing the creation and ongoing development of the Centre de cancérologie Charles-Bruneau at CHU Sainte-Justine. The Fondation believes that children with cancer have a right to the best available treatment so that each one day, each can say, "When I grow up, I will be cured!" For details, please visit www.charlesbruneau.qc.ca.